malice aforethought

noun

, Law.

1. a predetermination to commit an unlawful act without just cause or provocation (applied chiefly to cases of first-degree murder).

malice aforethought

noun

1. the predetermination to do an unlawful act, esp to kill or seriously injure
2. the intent with which an unlawful killing is effected, which must be proved for the crime to constitute murder See also murder manslaughter

Word History and Origins

Origin of malice aforethought¹

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

To be frank, I seriously doubt if Madoff set out, with malice aforethought, to defraud anyone.

From The Daily Beast

With malice aforethought, we made a raid to the extent of three pennies worth.

From Project Gutenberg

But let it be recorded to the old town's credit, the evil was propagated without malice aforethought.

From Project Gutenberg

But even granting that, one could scarcely help suspecting malice aforethought in the curious provision.

From Project Gutenberg

He claims that Bud pitched him into that dishpan uh dough with malice aforethought.

From Project Gutenberg

It is not waiting for them to drag down the banner to the dust; it is making haste to trail it for them with malice aforethought.

From Project Gutenberg